15th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony

Yesterday, May 10, 2012, AMVETS attended the 15^th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. Focused on the achievements and dedication of all women, the ceremony honored one woman from each branch of the military, who serves as a testament to the strength and passion in each past and present servicewoman. “The women we honor here today are true patriots,” said Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla. “They follow a long line of women who’ve answered the call of service for this nation.” Attending the ceremony as a keynote speaker and as President of the Women’s Memorial Foundation, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught welcomed all attendees to the ceremony. As a role model for all women, Vaught served 28 years in the military and also was one of the few servicewomen during the Vietnam War to serve in a position other than a nurse. As one of the most decorated women in the United States military, Vaught spoke of the unique tradition that servicewomen have created. “Women in the military is not just a thing of yesterday or just a thing of today,” said Vaught. “It is a thing for the future.”

 

Also present at the ceremony were Reps. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., Jamie Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., Sheila Jackson Lee, D-TX, and Jean Schmidt, R-OH. Each spoke about and honored an individual woman currently serving in the military, showing that our servicewomen continue to break barriers and exemplify the highest in military excellence and professionalism. The women honored at the event were: Army Command Sgt. Major Maria V. Martinez, Air Force Master Sgt. Tracy S. Meador, Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Penny A. Koons, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Yezabeth Cuevas, and Marine Staff Sgt. Jessica Davila. Each woman thanked the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues for honoring all women and remembering the sacrifices each woman has made throughout history. “I am honored to be a part of something so much bigger than myself,” commented Davila.

To end the ceremony, the congresswomen presented a wreath honoring the fallen servicewomen and their families who remain behind to tell their story. Truly an event to honor the often overlooked contributions of women service members, AMVETS recognizes the dedication and service of all military members, both active duty and veterans, and continues to ensure that the military community remains in the forefront of Americans’ minds.  

 

 (Photos: Middle: Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught talks with Reps. Jean Schmidt, R-OH, and Renee Ellmers, R-N.C. Bottom: A wreath and roses for fallen servicewomen in front of the Women in Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. Photos by: Brittany Barry)